NORTH FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, Pa.,None — A convenience store clerk was able to scare away a would-be robber with a baseball bat, police said, and the incident was all caught on surveillance tape.
The attempted robbery happened early Wednesday morning at a Valero store in North Franklin. Police said the man walked into the store and demanded cash and cigarettes. But investigators said the clerk was ready for a fight.
"If this was your first time being robbed you'd probably be scared to death," said North Franklin Police Chief Richard Horner.
Horner said 37-year-old Robert Braun had no idea what he was in for when the clerk pulled out a Louisville Slugger. Police said as soon as Braun saw the bat, he ran out of the store only to be arrested minutes later at a nearby Red Roof Inn.
"I praise this individual for stopping this, but I don't advise anybody to do the same," Horner said.
Braun was charged with attempted robbery and public drunkenness.
"It's amazing how when you're intoxicated some things seem like a good idea," said Horner.
Police said Braun has a lengthy criminal history and was already on probation for a drunken driving incident when he was arrested. He's currently in the Washington County Jail.
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